The fact that all of Creation is in jeopardy would be reason enough to act.

But as the largest historical emitter of CO2, having contributed 29% of the global total between 1960 and 2005,[i] the United States has a moral obligation to engage in bold, dramatic action to bring the climate crisis under control.

The solution is simple: the world’s top climate scientists have repeatedly called for urgent, deep cuts in greenhouse (GHG) emissions.

At the UN Climate Summit this December in Paris, the US must lead with a binding commitment to major emissions reductions in keeping with the calculations and timeframe of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

In an impassioned plea last November, the Panel proclaimed that continued emission of greenhouse gases will increase “the likelihood of severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts.”[ii]

Because the peril is great, urgent action is imperative: Drastic cuts to GHG emissions must occur in the next 10 years, or catastrophic climate change will be impossible to prevent.

All nations must do their utmost to reduce emissions, but major emitters bear the greatest responsibility.

The current US pledge to reduce climate pollution 26-28% of 2005 levels by 2025[iii] is woefully insufficient, and will not assure the preservation of a stable climate.

We must double our offering and ensure financial, technical and humanitarian support for the nations and communities that have suffered devastating impacts of climate change through no fault of their own.

With bold Presidential leadership, America must transition from a fossil fuel economy to one based on renewable energy, and bring our lifestyles in line with fundamental faith values: of equity and respect for Creation, in a sacred trust to sustain and protect our God-given source of life.